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This article contains excellent descriptions of the clinical aspects of the Parkinson's disease and was one of the first reports showing that mutations in Parkin are a very frequent cause of this condition. Lucking et al NEJM 2000.pdf

Mike Robbins suffers from Parkinson’s Disease. He explains how a ‘pacemaker’ implanted into his brain – a surgical technique called deep brain stimulation (DBS) – can help to control his symptoms. Amazing results!

Dr. Ole Isacson, a Harvard faculty member, has confirmed participation in our symposium addressing Parkinson's disease. He is a leader in the field of research for regenerative therapies for Parkinson's. See the website for his lab: http://www.neuroregeneration.org/

Dr. Matt LaVoie, also Harvard faculty, is a leading scientist investigating the causes of Parkinson's disease using models based on familial forms of this condition. You will also meet him at the symposium!!!

Dr. Adrian J. Ivinson, the director of the Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center has confirmed his participation in our symposiums, he will shuttle between the Alzheimer's and the Parkinson's events. See a link to the center's website:

This article gives a break down for animal models for each gene (or group of genes) people look at that are associated with PD. It's a review article, but can leads to other useful journal articles (check the bibliography).

Here is a list of sources for FAD (familial alzheimer's disease) that give a brief but concise overview of the different genes that contribute to the disease: PSEN1, PSEN2, AAP. It provides a good summary of the function of each gene, it's mutations, and what results from these mutations.

In the future, this article should really be perused in detail for a good, solid understanding of PD (such as the genes associated with the disease, animal models, phenotypes of disease, and i believe biomarkers as well). The pdf can be accessed through Hollis.